How to Get Rid of Flying Ants in Mulch
Flying ants, found during summer months, are social and live in groups. They are often attracted to mulch because of its organic nature. Flying ants pose no threat to humans, although you may find them annoying. Because children and animals might have access to that mulch, you may want to use a natural pesticide to help to kill off the flying ants. However, what people may believe are flying ants are often actually termites, which also like mulch. Removing flying ants is a much different process than removing termites, so make sure you correctly identify the insects that are infesting your mulch.
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Fill a pressurized chemical sprayer with equal parts distilled white vinegar and hot tap water. Add a couple of drops of dish soap, which helps the vinegar stick to any ants in the area.
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Lift and lower the handle on the chemical sprayer to create pressure within the canister.
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Spray the entire mulched area with the solution until the mulch is saturated. Take caution not to spray directly on flowers or grass, because the vinegar solution damages any vegetation it comes in contact with.
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Repeat the process each morning until you no longer see the flying ants in the area.
References
- Colorado State University; Flying Ants; Whitney Cranshaw; 2010
- Tame Side: Ants/Flying Ants
- Small Notebook: 5 Simple, Natural Ant Control Remedies
- Health Guidance: Home Remedies to Kill Ants; Jason Ladock
- Fort Lauderdale Research and Education: Ant Vs Termite
- UMass Amherst; Controlling Termites and Carpenter Ants; Paul Fisette; 2002
Tips
- Spray the ants during the time of day when they are not in their ant hills. This is usually early morning and late evening when the sun is not at its hottest. This allows you to spray as many ants as possible.
Warnings
- If you determine that you have termites and not flying ants, consult a professional exterminator. If you have termites in your mulch, you could have them in your home. Termites can cause extensive damage if not taken care of properly.
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